Ayodhya Celebrates Ram Lalla Amidst the Pomp and Show of The Ram Temple Consecration

All eyes of the nation were on Ayodhya, the centre stage of the unveiling of the idol of Ram Lalla at the sacred Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on 22^nd January 2024. The religious fervour stirred up by this long-awaited event was a palpable presence through all the devotional ceremonies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having kept an 11-day purification fast ahead of the inauguration, conducted the consecration rites in a plethora of Vedic rituals, which were attended by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and senior seers.

The Prime Minister performed aarti in front of the deity and a parikrama in the sanctum. In the aftermath of the Pran Pratistha ceremony, PM Narendra Modi performed the ritual form of obeisance, the ‘Dandavat Pranam’, to Lord Ram Lalla at the newly constructed Ram Mandir Temple and sought the blessings of the seers present at the ceremony, held in the inner sanctum.  

The elaborately adorned idol of Ram Lalla, installed in the garb griha or sanctum sanctorum, located on the ground floor of the shrine depicts Lord Rama as a 5-year-old child. Mysuru-based sculptor, Arun Yogiraj, created the 51-inch-high idol standing on a lotus, from a single block of stone. Even the attire and adornment of the idol, as ascertained by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, are based on extensive research on ‘descriptions of Shri Ram’s scripturally appropriate splendour in texts such as the Adhyatma Ramayana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ramcharitmanas, and Alavandar Stotra.’

The Ram Mandir has been conceived in the traditional Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture. Spread over 5081.79 sq m, the temple area covers nearly 2.7 acres. Standing at a height of 49.1 m, the three-storied temple is supported by 392 pillars and features 44 gates.

Army helicopters were pressed into service to shower flower petals on the Ram Mandir complex, to the tune of “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” during the consecration ceremonials.

After the consecration ceremony PM Modi congratulated the people as the hundred years long wait had ended for the temple to be built and urged them to work for the India of next 1,000 years.

             While addressing the gathering in Ayodhya, the PM spoke of how “The sun of 22 January, has brought with it a wonderful aura. 22 January 2024 is not just a date on a calendar but a beginning of a new time cycle.” over 7,000 VVIPs including include politicians, industrialists, seers and priests of several spiritual and religious sects, including tribal communities, cine stars sportspersons, industrialists congregated at the site as special invitees, etc.

“The divine moment of Pran Prathishta of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya Dham is an emotional moment for everyone. It is my good fortune to be part of this unique program. Jai Siyaram,” PM Modi said.

Following his address, he moved to the Shiva Temple at Kuber Tila, where he prayerfully paid his respects and participated in some rituals. As a sign of appreciation for their hard work, he showered flower petals on the shramjeevis (construction crew) of the shrine, while interacting with them.

Post the Pran Pratistha ceremony, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the people at the Ram Mandir said “There are some feelings in my heart that I cannot find words to express. Everyone is emotional and happy. On this historic moment, every city and village in the country has turned into Ayodhya, and every path seems to be heading towards the Ram Janmabhoomi.”

Ayodhya was adazzle with the lighting of thousands of lamps and fireworks brightened the skies to celebrate the inauguration of the Ram Mandir temple which will now be opened for public worship. The Hanuman Garhi Temple and sacred ghats of the Saryu River were ablaze with hundreds of lighted diyas.